A Review of the Effect of Plasticizers on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Alginate-Based Films

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing attempt to manipulate various properties of biodegradable materials to use them as alternatives to their synthetic plastic counterparts. Alginate is a polysaccharide extracted from seaweed or soil bacteria that is considered one of the most promising materials for numerous applications. However, alginate potential for various applications is relatively limited due to brittleness, poor mechanical properties, scaling-up difficulties, and high water vapor permeability (WVP). Choosing an appropriate plasticizer can alleviate the situation by providing higher flexibility, workability, processability, and in some cases, higher hydrophobicity. This review paper discusses the main results and developments regarding the effects of various plasticizers on the properties of alginate-based films during the last decades. The plasticizers used for plasticizing alginate were classified into different categories, and their behavior under different concentrations and conditions was studied. Moreover, the drawback effects of plasticizers on the mechanical properties and WVP of the films are discussed. Finally, the role of plasticizers in the improved processing of alginate and the lack of knowledge on some aspects of plasticized alginate films is clarified, and accordingly, some recommendations for more classical studies of the plasticized alginate films in the future are offered.

Formulation & Evaluation of Oral Disintegration Strip (ODS) containing Levetiracetam

“…However, improper use of plasticizers can lead to issues such as cracking, splitting, and peeling of the films. Moreover, it has been observed that the absorption rate of drugs may be influenced by the use of specific plasticizers (Eslami et al, 2023)…”

Alginate – Gamat Gel Hydrogel Films as the Potential Wound Dressing

“…Tensile strength, the stress that keeps a plane from splitting when stretched (Ascenzi and Bonucci, 1964), and a balance between tensile strength and elasticity are crucial. High film moisture increases elasticity but decreases tensile strength, and vice versa (Eslami et al, 2023). The dressing must also resist external forces during application and removal.…”

Investigation of Cinnamic Acid Derivatives as Alternative Plasticizers for Improved Ductility of Polyvinyl Chloride Films

“…By means of different theoretical approaches, it is possible to predict the compatibility/miscibility between a polymer and additives. Several factors can influence the intermolecular entanglement of the chains in a plasticized polymer, such as the nature of the plasticizer, its volatility, migration, polarity, or employed the mixing system, which involves temperature, pressure, humidity or solvents [24]. However theoretically, the most important aspect that can be calculated and evaluated is their affinity based on solubility parameters, in this case between PVC and different types of cinnamic acid-derived plasticizers.…”

“…The plasticizers with larger molecular volumes displayed lower permeability. This has been demonstrated to be due to the increased interaction of hydrogen bonds, which results in the immobilization of water molecules, and consequently reduces the permeability of films [24]. Table 6 also includes the significant difference among the samples according to the standard mentioned in the experimental section.…”